Survivor of 1984 McDonald's massacre speaks out for the first time

On July 18, 1984, Flanagan was working a cash register at the McDonald's on San Ysidro Boulevard when she went to the back to get more ice when she heard the first of many shots fired by gunman James Huberty.

She and other co-workers hid in a basement closet for more than an hour as Huberty shot men, women and children inside and outside the restaurant. Some of the 21 people who died were employees including Flanagan's best friend at work.

Photos of Flanagan and memorials for the 1984 massacre:

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Survivor of 1984 mcdonald's massacre speaks out

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Survivor of 1984 mcdonald's massacre speaks out

Photo: KSWB

Photo: KSWB

Photo: KSWB

Photo: KSWB

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"My friend next to me she had gold chains on with crosses and the Virgen de Gualdalupe. We held them and we prayed and we prayed the whole time," said Flanagan.

Flanagan's story of survival is part of a documentary film produced by Charlie Minn.

"There are stories about this tragedy that people don't know about, like people shielding their bodies so others wouldn't get shot," Minn said. "I want people to know all of those things about those people."

The film is titled "77 Minutes" after the length of time the massacre lasted.

The movie opens Friday at the UltraStar Mission Valley Hazard Center before it opens nationwide.